2003 PONTIAC VIBE cooling

5-14 How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank
If you haven't found a problem yet, but the coolant level
isn't at or above the FULL mark, add a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and a proper coolant at the
coolant recovery tank. See ªEngine Coolantº in the
Index for more information about the proper coolant
mixture.
CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid such as alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle's coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
your engine could get too hot but you wouldn't
get the overheat warning. Your engine could
catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use
a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and a
proper coolant.
NOTICE:
In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the
engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. Use
the recommended coolant and the proper coolant
mixture.

5-15
CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine.
When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at the
FULL mark, start your vehicle.
If the overheat warning continues, there's one more
thing you can try. You can add the proper coolant
mixture directly to the radiator but be sure the cooling
system is cool before you do it.
CAUTION:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They
are under pressure, and if you turn the radiator
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
pressure cap -- even a little -- they can come out
at high speed. Never turn the cap when the
cooling system, including the radiator pressure
cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and
radiator pressure cap to cool if you ever have to
turn the pressure cap.

5-16 How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the
cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap and
upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure
cap slowly counterclockwise until it first stops. (Don't
press down while turning the pressure cap.)
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means
there is still some pressure left.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push
down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.
3. Fill the radiator with the proper coolant mixture, up
to the base of the filler neck. See ªEngine Coolantº
in the Index for more information about the proper
coolant mixture.

5-17
4. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the
FULL mark.
5. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but
leave the radiator pressure cap off.6. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the
upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fan.
7. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator filler
neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add more of
the proper coolant mixture through the filler neck until
the level reaches the base of the filler neck.
8. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during
this procedure if coolant begins to flow out of the
filler neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure the ears
on the pressure cap are in line with the vent tube.

6-31 Carrier Assembly-Differential
(Rear Drive Module)
When to Check and Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant and when to change it. See
ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on
a level surface.
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole,
you'll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole. A
fluid loss could indicate a problem; check and have it
repaired, if needed.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. See ªRecommended Fluids
and Lubricantsº in the Index.
Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling system and how
to add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, see ªEngine Overheatingº
in the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and the
proper coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.

6-32 What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one
-half coolant that meets GM Specification 1825-M,
which won't damage aluminum parts. You can also use a
recycled coolant conforming to GM Specification 1825
-M
with a complete coolant flush and refill. If you use this
coolant mixture, you don't need to add anything else.
CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid such as alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle's coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
your engine could get too hot but you wouldn't
get the overheat warning. Your engine could
catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use
a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and the
proper coolant.
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn't be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core
and other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don't have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.

6-33 Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a
level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant
level should be at LOW, or
a little higher. When your
engine is warm, the level
should be up to FULL, or
a little higher.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper coolant
mixture at the coolant recovery tank, but be careful
not to spill it.CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
With the coolant recovery tank, you will almost
never have to add coolant at the radiator.
Never turn the radiator pressure cap
-- even a
little
-- when the engine and radiator are hot.
CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine.
Occasionally check the coolant level in the radiator. For
information on how to add coolant to the radiator, see
ªCooling Systemº in the Index.

6-59
NOTICE:
The wrong wheel can also cause problems with
bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and chassis.
See ªChanging a Flat Tireº in the Index for more
information.Used Replacement Wheels
CAUTION:
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You can't know how it's been used or
how far it's been driven. It could fail suddenly
and cause a crash. If you have to replace a wheel,
use a new GM original equipment wheel.